Beauty comes in all sizes, says curvy model Sophie

Size 20 care worker makes it to final of international plus-sized models contest

Curvy care worker Sophie Wilson is on a mission – to show beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.

The 24-year-old Leyland resident has made it through to the grand final of the Miss Plus Size International 2015.

She will be competing against other girls from across the globe – including France, Italy, Germany, Norway, Austria and the USA, in the event which takes place in Manchester next year.

Size 20 Sophie hopes taking part in the pageant will show people size is not an issue.

The care worker, who also runs a first-aid training business operating across the Fylde coast, said: “I would like to see more events like this for bigger girls.

“I’ve always been interested in modelling, but because I’m a big girl, felt I wouldn’t get anywhere.

“People have always said to me I have a pretty face, but getting though to the final of the competition has given me a big confidence boost.

“I’ve always had that bubbly personality and just because you are big, it doesn’t mean you can’t do it.

“I’ve always fought against people thinking I can’t do things because of my size.

“It’s so great to be part of this competition.

“It’s really nice it’s coming to the north for the final. I’d love to get into plus-size modelling.

“Some of my work colleagues have said they think I am brave for getting up there and walking down the catwalk.

“But if I’m comfortable in my own skin, why should I be afraid?

“I play hockey, I think people make an assumption if you’re bigger, you can’t be fit. But I’ve always been sporty.

“I think there is a stigma attached to being bigger, but I’ve never let it stop me from doing what I want to do.”

Sophie, who has a two-year-old daughter and four-year-old stepson, had thought about entering the competition for a few years before she took the plunget.

In November, she and the other finalists have been invited to a glamorous black tie event in London, then they have a photoshoot in Bournemouth towards the end of the year and a boot camp in June, where they will learn about walking on the catwalk and do confidence-building tasks to help their progress.